Very good story! I like your characterization of Luna. One of the best I've ever seen. I LOVE Harry and Luna together; it truly should have been them instead of Harry/Ginny--that romance was SO contrived! I hated it. You did a really good job with this story. Please write more stories!

Author's Response: Luna's one of my favourite characters in the series, and I like the dynamic she and Harry share. I'm not a huge fan of Harry and Ginny's relationship either, but I think it's because we never really get to know Ginny very well - maybe if we got to spend as much time with her as some of the other major characters, I'd see what Harry sees in her. Thanks for reviewing.

This story is very, very beautiful. I find myself, as a reader, trusting the author completely, and that is something that, unfortunately, rarely happens when I'm reading fanfiction. But with this story, it happened, because ... honestly, I don't know. I think it's partly because of the summary, which intrigued me, or the chapter titles, which I couldn't make any sense out of, but felt just right anyhow ... but mainly, it is simply the story as a whole ... it feels as everyting - every word, every sentence - is exactly as it should be.

I don't know how to describe it any better, I just wanted you to know that I think this is a truly wonderful piece of literature.

Author's Response:

That idea of trust is an interesting one. When I'm reading something, I really enjoy not knowing exactly where the story is headed, and if the author puts in enough interesting details about what's passing by, I don't really care about reaching the destination at the end. I think, if there's a bit of trust between the reader and the author, that sometimes you can do away with a traditional sort of structure, with a set-up and a conclusion, and just go for a walk around and look at interesting things.

Thankyou for the review. If I can write something that's both indescribable and wonderful, then that's a pretty good achievement.

I’m very surprised to see that this story hasn’t been reviewed yet, but I thought I’d share my thoughts with you.

To begin with, I’d like to compliment you on how expertly you write Hermione’s perspective. I appreciate that you don’t simply jump into it, but that you take some time to ease your readers into seeing the scene through Hermione’s eyes by talking about her relationship with her parents. Her concern for Harry, her feelings towards Ron and Viktor Krum, and her perceptiveness are written here exactly like I picture them in my mind while reading the actual books.

I was amused as well as touched by the first bit of dialogue between Hermione and Ron; there is such a subtle tenderness in the exchange. You also write a lovely, bright Ron instead of the brainless version that so many fanfic authors are prone to producing.

As if the story wasn’t already alive and sparkling with the extreme presence of your characters, the little details you add make it even more so. The puzzle prototype Ron is fiddling with is a lovely touch that might well have been straight from the books, as is the discussion about Luna’s chocolate frog.

I must admit to being confused and curious about the title of your story. The only Harry Potter-related bulldog references I can recall are ones including Aunt Marge’s dogs, but somehow I don’t think that’s what you’re talking about here.

The “other pairing” that puts your story into its category is subtle indeed, but perfect. It makes sense that you would show us from Hermione’s point of view, as she would likely be the first one to notice.

I probably don’t have to tell you (but I will anyway) that your language is superb with variety and flow, and that I didn’t come across a single spelling or grammar error while reading. I’m sorry to say that I have no helpful criticism to offer, because this was simply a very, very enjoyable read. Thank you!

Author's Response:

I find Hermione very easy to write for, even if her thoughts tend to... wander a little. I always got the feeling she thought more than she said (which is a trait Harry isn't blessed with, in the series), and it's easy for her train of thought to just grow and grow if there's nothing else to focus on.

Ron is yang to Hermione's yin in every way - they're opposites in many ways but (and this is possibly the part that gets forgotten a lot) they become better together than apart.

Mostly I try to put in the details of things I find interesting - I don't believe an author has to describe everything in meticulous details to paint a scene properly; just bring up what will hold focus and let the readers' imagination fill in whatever's left.

The title is more of an abstract thing than any references to actual bulldogs. It does have a meaning, just that that meaning isn't overly important.

Subtle is really just the best word for describing this relationship - it's easy to miss, but if you apply some scrutiny (like Hermione does) then you should be able to see it. At least, that's what I'm trying to show here.